Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Basic Life Support Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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When assessing breathing after finding a patient unresponsive, the head should be positioned in which manner using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique?

Neutral position
Slightly past-neutral position
Cocked to one side
Fully extended position

The correct answer is: Slightly past-neutral position

In the head-tilt/chin-lift technique, positioning the head in a slightly past-neutral position is essential to ensure that the airway remains open. This method involves tilting the head back sufficiently to lift the chin, which helps to relieve any obstruction caused by the tongue occluding the airway in an unresponsive patient. A slightly past-neutral position allows for optimum alignment of the airway structures, reducing the likelihood of complications, such as asphyxia, due to airway obstruction. It is a careful balance between tilting the head back far enough to open the airway while avoiding excessive extension that could potentially cause further blockage. Using this technique appropriately is crucial in Basic Life Support, particularly when assessing an unresponsive patient’s breathing, as it significantly increases the chances of successfully maintaining an open airway.